Munich is the capital of Bavaria. A layover here can be as short as a few hours or as long as a full day. With six hours or more, you can explore the city center on foot, visit the Englischer Garten, and enjoy a meal in a traditional beer garden before heading back to the airport.
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For shorter layovers, focus on the area around the Hauptbahnhof. Walk to Karlsplatz, stroll through the pedestrian zone to Marienplatz, and see the Glockenspiel chime at 11 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. The Viktualienmarkt, a daily farmers' market, is a few minutes' walk south of Marienplatz and offers local produce, sausages, and cheeses.
Things To Do In Munich, Germany
Munich combines big-city culture with alpine charm. Visitors come for its parks, palaces, museums, and galleries, but the city's real draw is its sociability and passion for outdoor life. The Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban parks, is larger than Central Park. On a sunny afternoon you can watch surfers ride the standing wave on the Eisbach River at the park's southern edge.
The Deutsches Museum, on an island in the Isar River, is one of the largest science and technology museums in the world. If you prefer art, the Pinakothek museums—the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne—house everything from Old Masters to contemporary design. To experience the Munich of dirndl-clad women and Oktoberfest, visit the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, a beer hall serving since 1589, and try a traditional weisswurst with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
More about Munich
Take a short S-Bahn ride to Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian rulers, set in gardens with a lake and hidden follies. For a different perspective, climb the tower of St. Peter's Church (Alter Peter) in the old town; the 306 steps are steep, but the view over the city and the Alps on a clear day is worth it.
In winter, Munich's Christmas markets are among the most atmospheric in Germany. The main market at Marienplatz and the medieval market at the Alter Hof are within walking distance. Warm up with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. For history, the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs, offers over 130 rooms filled with tapestries, porcelain, and ornate ceilings—allow at least two hours.
Don't miss a hearty Schweinshaxe with potato dumplings, or a plate of Obatzda, a spiced cheese spread served with pretzels. For a quick lunch, head to the Viktualienmarkt and grab a Leberkäse in a roll from one of the stalls. For dessert, a slice of Bavarian cream cake or a warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce is a classic finish.
The city has a well-connected tram and U-Bahn system, and most central attractions are within walking distance of each other. The Hauptbahnhof area offers the widest range of budget and mid-range hotels, while the Glockenbachviertel and Au districts are known for nightlife and independent shops. Consider booking a room in a traditional guesthouse in the old town, where breakfast means fresh rolls, cheese, and cold cuts.
